The Growing Popularity of Smart Home Technology
Smart home technology is more popular than ever, with the U.S. market expected to be worth nearly $50 billion by 2026, according to Mordor Intelligence. Devices like smart light bulbs, assistants, and thermostats offer convenience and energy savings, although their upfront costs can be significantly higher than traditional options. Smart security systems are another key component, with the potential to reduce homeowners’ insurance premiums by up to 13%, according to NerdWallet.
Ease of Setting Up Smart Home Security Systems
Modern smart home security systems are designed to be user-friendly, requiring little technical expertise to set up.
“There are many companies, many products, and it really has been a race to make them very easy for the average consumer to pick them up, go home, plug them in, and have them connected,” says Jason Hiner, editor-in-chief of ZDNet.
Important Security Tips for Smart Home Devices
While smart home devices are convenient, it’s crucial to follow some basic security measures to protect your network and data.
Create Strong Passwords
Always change the default passwords on your devices, and ensure that your email or commerce accounts linked to these devices have strong passwords as well.
“A lot of times, the password to log into the router will be like admin and password 123 or something very simple,” Hiner advises. “You want to make sure you change that. That’s super important; otherwise, somebody could quite easily hack into your system potentially.”
For optimal security, use a 12-16 character password, incorporating a phrase or scrambling significant dates, like a pet’s birthday, in a unique order.
Keep Your Home Wi-Fi Secure
It’s essential to keep your smart devices on the main house Wi-Fi account and restrict visitor access. Many routers allow you to create a guest account with a separate username and password. This can prevent visitors from carrying your network information on their devices, which could compromise your network’s security.
“If they go to an internet cafe, every one of your friends, family, and neighbors that you connect to your Wi-Fi then is potentially broadcasting your very sensitive security information everywhere they go,” Hiner warns.
Be Cautious with Wi-Fi-Enabled Devices
While many modern appliances, from faucets to microwaves, now have Wi-Fi capabilities, Hiner advises caution when connecting them.
“If you’re not gonna actually use it in any way, or it’s not going to be helpful in any way, don’t connect it — because everything that’s connected is potentially something that could be attacked,” he says. “If it has a vulnerability or a default password that you’re not even aware of, then that can become a way for someone to attack your network and potentially compromise everything else.”
By following these guidelines, homeowners can enjoy the convenience of smart home technology while minimizing potential security risks.
References:
CBS News – https://www.cbsnews.com/news/smart-home-easy-set-up-and-internet-password-protections/
ZDNet – https://www.zdnet.com/
